Release 08/2007 Ver. 2.0 Technical Manual: C6 Multifunction Interface Controller
TAPESWITCH CORPORATION Phone: 631-630-0442
100 Schmitt Boulevard 3Fax: 631-630-0454
Farmingdale, New York 1735 www.tapeswitch.com
C6 Multifunction Interface Controller
When used with Light Curtains; also
see the B-Series Technical Manual
1. Introduction
The C6 Multifunction Interface Controller acts as an
interface between various Tapeswitch low voltage
sensors and the end-user device (machine and/or
process control). It is ideal for existing machines and
end-user and OEM applications. The C6 Multifunction
Interface Controller is designed to incorporate up to
six sensor zones comprised of a combination of 1 to 3
B- Series Light Curtains and/or 1 to 6 sensing
products. It provides the necessary power to the B-
Series sensing unit emitter and receiver, and monitors
the output signals from the B-Series sensing unit. In
addition to the light curtains, the C6 is specifically
engineered for operation with various pressure
sensitive, normally open switches (ribbon switches,
sensing edges/ bumpers and switching mats).
The C6 Controller provides constant monitoring of the
sensing device. In the event of a failure within the
sensor or its cable (open or short circuit) the controller
automatically detects the failure. In addition to the
ability to detect a failure within the sensor or its
cabling, the C6 is designed to detect a failure within
the controller itself. The C6 Controller is a fully self-
contained unit within a metal enclosure. It is intended
to be wall mounted and has six knockouts capable of
accepting standard 1/2" or 3/4" conduit. It will accept
an input power of source range of 85 to 264 VAC at
an input frequency range of 47 to 63Hz. The unit will
also accept a regulated 24 VDC supply.
The C6 Controller provides the option of setting each
zone for automatic or manual reset. To manually reset
the controller, a key switch is provided on the front
panel.
The controller provides two redundant safety output
relay contacts (dry contact or voltage free) in which
the output can be configured as normally open
(closed when the relay is energized) or normally
closed (open when the relay is energized). When the
output relays are configured as normally open, the
two closed contacts will open when the sensing
device is actuated (i.e., safety mat is stepped on), or
should a fault occur within the safety device, or in the
event that the power is removed. The outputs will
remain open until the sensing device is clear and
reset is applied. When the output relays are
configured as normally closed, the two open contacts
will close when the sensing device is actuated (i.e.,
safety mat is stepped on), or should a fault occur
within the safety device, or in the event that the power
is removed. The outputs will remain closed until the
sensing device is clear and reset is applied.
When the zone(s) is set in Manual Mode the safety
outputs will remain open until the sensing device is
clear and a reset signal is applied. When the zones
are set to AUTO, the safety outputs will reset
automatically after the sensing device is clear.
Each of the six zones is equipped with three indicator
lights: Manual Mode, Output On and Output Off,
providing the status of each zone. The C6 Controller
also has non-safety monitor output relays for each
zone.
They are Form C (normally-open, common, normally-
closed) contact arrangements. The monitor relays are
intended for status purposes only.
2. Methods of Interfacing
The C6 Controller has two safety outputs. These
outputs are to be interfaced with the machine primary
control elements (MPCE’s). An MPCE is defined as
an electrically controlled element which directly
controls the normal operating motion of a machine
such that it is the last (in time) to operate when motion
is initiated or arrested.
The safety output contacts of the C6 Interface Unit
must be connected to a machine’s MPCE’s in such a
way that if either of the safety output relays is
switched off, then the machine will be brought to rest,
regardless of the state of the other relay.
This gives assurance that the failure of a single relay
cannot prevent the machine from being stopped. The
safety output relays are cross-monitored within the
interface unit. This means any disparity between the
two relays will be detected. The machine will be
disabled until the cause of the disparity has been
removed. Such a disparity could be the loss of signal
on one of the two channels coming from the sensing
unit. The interface will only allow the safety relays to
move to the ON state if both channels are working
correctly together.
Both of these outputs must be used to take
advantage of the inherent redundancy of the
interface unit.
